Volunteer profile: Dalal from Homs

Published: 19 January 2016 15:49 CET

Dalal, a Syrian refugee from Homs, has been a volunteer with the Jordan National Red Crescent Society branch in Mafraq for four years, where she helps to guide support by the Red Crescent to Syrian refugees in the area. Photo: IFRC

She spends her days visiting Syrian refugee families in the northern Jordanian city of Mafraq to find out about how they are adjusting to their new situation away from their homes. She assesses their wellbeing, takes notes of their needs and listens to their sufferings. She then shares her observations and recommendations with the local branch of Jordan National Red Crescent Society, which in turn gathers support for those in need.

Dalal has been a volunteer with the local Red Crescent branch in Mafraq for four years, where she helps to guide support by the National Society to many Syrian refugee families in the area. She has become a well-known personality in the region, with people often contacting her in order to reach the Red Crescent.

A Syrian refugee herself, Dalal fled Homs with her husband and four kids in 2011. She and her husband barely have enough money to pay the rent and provide food on the table for their children, but despite their refugee status, she says she feels that she does not have the right to ask for assistance amid the miseries surrounding her. Meanwhile, she never hesitates to lend a helping hand to whoever seeks her assistance.

“It just makes me happy. That’s why I do it,” expresses Dalal.

Although she is doing what she can to help fellow Syrians in Mafraq live a decent life, Dalal feels helpless when it comes to securing their future.

“I am worried about young refugees. Amid the lack of education and the absence of any work opportunities, I wonder what’s waiting for them next,” she says.

Dalal’s two eldest children are out of school and unemployed, while her two youngest attend classes on a regular basis. Despite their uncertain future in Jordan, Dalal says she will not consider following in the footsteps of thousands who crossed the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

“We do not share the same culture with European countries, it will not be easy to adapt to life there. I would love to go back to Syria when the conflict is over,” she says.

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